Follow us
Get in touch!

Unit 6 Stoneacre
St James Retail Park
Grimbald Crag Close
Knaresborough
HG5 8PJ

FRIWO | UK

USB 3.2 explained: Making sense of current and confusing USB standards

Ben Winstanley • Aug 12, 2019

Get to  know the different versions of USB 3.2 as you await the arrival of USB 4.

FOX18 WITH USB TYPE C
VIEW FOX18-X
This isn't the first time USB names have changed slightly. USB 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 were combined into USB 2.0. When USB 3.1 was developed, USB 3.0 suddenly became USB 3.1 Gen 1, and the newer standard received the label USB 3.1 Gen 2.

We now find ourselves in a similar spot with USB 3.2. The newest, fastest version of USB 3.2 offers a max speed of 20Gbps and is called USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. (The 2x2 means it's the second generation and has two 10Gbps lanes to achieve its maximum throughput of 20Gbps.) The older USB 3.1 has a single 10Gbps channel and is called USB 3.2 Gen 2. Then there's USB 3.0, which is now called USB 3.2 Gen 1.

 Know your USB 3.2 versions

If you're on the lookout for the above USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2 names when attempting to create the best possible connection between your devices, your work is not done. That's because there are separate marketing terms for each of the three USB 3.2 versions, which the USB-IF encourages vendors to use for their packaging. (Whether vendors follow this suggestion or use the above terms remains to be seen and requires you to know both sets of terms.) The marketing terms you'll see for USB 3.2 devices are: SuperSpeed USB, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps and SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps.

Perhaps spelling it all out in chart will help alleviate some confusion and your USB branding headache
TABLE SHOWING USB TYPES
Confused? Contact Us Here

USB history

In 1996 the USB 1.0 standard was introduced with a maximum data rate of 12 Mbit/s. In 2000 the USB 2.0 standard was specified with a data rate of 480 Mbps. This is still the most common version of USB in use (as of writing). In November 2008, the USB Implementers Forum introduced the specification for USB 3.0. In SuperSpeed mode, a maximum data rate of 5 Gbit/s is achieved with USB 3.0.

Then in 2014 the standard USB 3.1 Gen 2 was introduced, which had a maximum data transfer rate for SuperSpeed reads of +10 Gbit/s.

Currently, USB takes three steps in, putting a whole range of other interfaces at risk.

So far, the USB "ailed" the following:

The SuperSpeed introduced with USB 3.0 is not sufficient for SSDs (Solid State Disk Drives) and external RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks).
The current USB connectors fit only in one direction, and can not be plugged in either direction.
The USB does not provide enough power to charge tablets or even notebooks quickly.
However, the USB Implementers Forum has offered solutions for these problems, not only as complete package, but also independently with specifications USB 3.1 / UBS Type C/PD. The new USB standards do not only provide higher data transfer rates (USB 3.1 Gen 2) and faster charging times (power delivery), but also a new connector type (USB Type C). Specifically, the USB Implementers Forum has spread the innovations to 3 different specifications, which can overlap as well as complement each other, but still remain independent.

USB 3.1 Gen 2 defines SuperSpeedPlus with double speed to 10 Gbit/s compared to USB 3.0. ew Paragraph

Type A vs. C

 In addition to offering different speeds, USB comes in different physical forms. USB Type-A ports are rectangular and require you to plug in your cable with the right side up. USB Type-C ports are smaller, oval-shaped and reversible in that they save you from needing to know which end is up. An advantage of the type C plug connection is, among other things, the low overall height, and small width of the socket of 8.4 mm.
VISUAL OF USB TYPES
USB A => 12.1 mm x 4.7 mm
USB C => 8.4 mm x 2.5 mm (width x height)

The plug type is no guarantor for high performance. USB-C and USB 3.2 have been introduced together, but do not necessarily belong together. There are devices with Type C connectors that only support USB 2.0. There are also devices that are compatible with USB 3.2 but use conventional USB A connectors. While the new connectors will continue to enjoy growing popularity, the performance and transmission rate will depend on the technology the device that they need to support.

USB Power Delivery (PD) regulates the supply of up to 5 A at up to 20 V – i.e. 100 W max.

Up till recently the upper limit was 4.5 watts (5 V = / 900 mA / USB 3.0) or 7.5 watts (5 V = / 1500 mA / USB battery charging USB-BC).

USB Power Delivery Profiles

USB POWER DELIVERY TYPES

How to power your Rasberry PI

RASPBERRY PI
We get asked a lot about what to use to power the Rasberry PI so since we are discussing USB I thought I would mention it. Every model of Raspberry Pi has always required a relatively low amount of power compared to standard desktop PCs.

Despite further hardware improvements, even the latest Raspberry Pi only increased its power needs only marginally, meaning portable projects are still as easy as ever to achieve.

The Pi 3 has a recommended power supply of 5.1V at 2.5A, which will cover you for most scenarios when using the board to its full potential. The models before it demanded a slightly lower 5V at 1A, however in practice greater amperage was advisable.

For low power projects, you can reduce the amperage by quite some way before affecting performance or stability, with just a little trial and error testing for each specific project.

Haredata Electronics can provide a power supply unit with any of the USB connections depending on your requirement.

CONTACT US

COMMENT ON THIS POST

SHARE THIS POST
While you're here, why not read some of our other blog posts?
We are 99% sure you'll learn something!
A group of DC connectors with USB Type-C, Magnetic connector, Barrel connector with inner pin
By Alex Chapman 23 Feb, 2024
Join us for a deep dive into the pros and cons of Direct Current (DC) connectors. have a project that requires a DC connector? Find your perfect match here!
By Ben Winstanley 06 Oct, 2021
INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLY FOR MEDICAL EXOSKELETONS A FRIWO systems solution in practice Finally being able to walk again. ExoAtlet, the renowned medical technology company, wants to grant that exact wish to its patients with physical disabilities. The specially designed and built exoskeleton allows people who have been confined to a wheelchair to stand freely, and without assistance, for the first time since their disability – and not only stand, but walk! The “ExoAtlet II” skeleton allows the wearer to move at different speeds as well as across different types of terrain without being hindered by stairs or other obstacles.
Battery Charging
By Ben Winstanley 12 May, 2021
Selection and operation of a battery charger
Switchmode Power Supplies vs Linear Power Supplies
By Ben Winstanley 05 May, 2021
Switchmode Power Supplies vs Linear Power Supplies The vast majority of low voltage external power supplies sold globally these days are switching (switchmode) units, as opposed to the original Linear technology, which is only considered appropriate for certain niche markets due to it’s inability to meet required efficiency standards. In this article we will explore just some of the technical aspects & features and benefits of Switchmode topology vs Linear.
Micro USB Vs USB-C Comic Battle - Visual Created by Haredata Electronics
By Ben Winstanley 28 Jan, 2021
The micro USB connector has been the most common connector for plug top devices for the last few years, but as with everything the times are changing. This is where the Type-C USB has started to step in, with more and more pieces of tech coming with a Type-C charger rather than the old favourite. So the question is why? If the old micro USB isn’t broken then why ‘fix’ it? 
The New UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) Marking
By Ben Winstanley 15 Dec, 2020
The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking is a new UK product marking that will be used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking.
What is MDR? The New Medical Device Regulation
By Ben Winstanley 29 Oct, 2020
What is MDR? Medical Device Regulation MDR is a new regulation issued by the European Parliament and the council of medical devices. It is replacing previous medical device directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC. The requirements of the new regulation are more complex than previously and are different per product. The vast majority of products are subject to new labelling and documentation requirements, such as; • Requirements for a unique device identification number (UDI) • Traceability of products The new requirements specified by the MDR cover each role played by differing companies on the supply chain, meaning at each step there are new responsibilities to be aware of. When does the MDR come into play? The MDR was initially due to begin the transition in May of this year but due to the global pandemic it is has been postponed to 26th May 2021. This transition deadline has to be met by all companies and suppliers by the date. What does MDR mean for power supplies?
By Ben Winstanley 27 Oct, 2020
From December 20, 2020, the IEC 62368-1 is set to take over from the IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 for the new standard for ICT and AV equipment. It brings together two separate standards linking terminologies and key engineering tenets, this new standard will become law and be used throughout Europe and USA. In Europe, the transition will be rapid and the expectation for all equipment to meet these new standards will be expected. Whereas, in the USA the transition will be slower starting with new submissions matching the standards and some existing products not having to be re-reviewed. Why the change? The IEC 62368-1 is a unified and smoother set of standards to follow internationally. It is here to revolutionise the approach for basic hazard safety, as new types of affordable products have emerged for use both leisurely and for business. Due to the constant changing state and technological advances blurs the lines between AV and ICT are blurred meaning the standards should begin to overlap
back to the future parody
By Ben Winstanley 24 Aug, 2020
In a best effort to reduce our carbon footprint within the UK we are aiming to ban the sale and production of diesel, petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars. Due to this, consumers will only be able to buy vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen. Just under 1/3 of our carbon emissions in the UK come from transport, whether that be personal or public. By removing the public’s access to cars that can produce emissions the government can control the public transport and how energy efficient that is. There are already several electric bus companies including some in our own area. The Law Since 2009 the previous government started to get the wheels turning on electric vehicles becoming the norm. However, the real impact came from the announcement of a legal ban on all non-electric or hydrogen cars being created from 2035, which had been moved forward from 2040. This does not mean you will have to get rid of your petrol car, but it does mean that any car you wish to purchase from this point will be electric
More Posts
Share by: